Final answer:
The Sanhaja and Masmuda founded the Almoravid and Almohad kingdoms, respectively. The capital cities of the Ghana and Mali Empires were Koumbi Saleh and Niani, and Gao was the capital of the Songhai kingdom. Bantu-speaking peoples influenced southern Africa's development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sanhaja and Masmuda Berber groups were instrumental in the founding of two significant Islamic reformist kingdoms in West Africa. The Sanhaja founded the Almoravid dynasty, while the Masmuda founded the Almohad Caliphate. Therefore, the correct answer to the question "The Sanhaja and Masmuda founded what West African kingdoms, respectively?" is option c) Almoravid and Almohad.
The kingdom of Ghana, which was inhabited by the Soninke people, experienced a period of decline by 1200. With the power vacuum, the Mandinka asserted themselves, establishing the Mali Empire, known for its rich history and famous leaders like Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa. The foundations of this new kingdom were built upon the remnants of the Ghana Empire. Hence, the answer to "The Ghana and Mali Empires were centered on what two capital cities, respectively?" is option b) Koumbi Saleh and Niani. The capital of the Songhai kingdom, an important trading center, was Gao, making the correct answer to that question option b) Songhai.
In southern Africa, Bantu-speaking peoples led to the foundation of medieval kingdoms such as the Swahili coast settlements and the kingdom of Great Zimbabwe. This response addresses the part of the question about innovations brought to southern Africa which resulted in the establishment of new kingdoms